Nut Roll

Nut Roll – A Holiday Delicacy

The nut roll is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition passed down from generation to generation, a recipe that evokes joyful moments spent with loved ones. With an inviting aroma and a soft texture, this nut roll is sure to become the star of your table. In the following, I will present a detailed recipe, with useful tips and tricks, so that you can achieve the perfect nut roll. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 2 nut rolls

Ingredients

- 1 kg of high-quality flour
- 5 eggs
- 350 g sugar
- 2 bottles of rum essence
- Zest of one lemon or orange
- 500 ml milk
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- A pinch of salt
- 100 ml oil
- 100 g butter
- 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 2 packets of vanilla sugar for brushing the nut roll

Dough Preparation

1. The Magic of Yeast: Start by rubbing the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar. This essential step activates the yeast, turning it into a leaven that will help the nut roll rise. Once the yeast becomes liquid, add a little warm milk and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Sifting the Flour: Sift the flour three times to aerate the ingredient and achieve a slightly fluffier dough. This simple trick will make a noticeable difference in texture.

3. Preparing the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk together with half of the sugar. It is important that the milk does not boil, but only heats up enough to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool slightly.

4. Mixing the Eggs: In a bowl, crack the eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with the salt (which enhances the color) and add the remaining sugar. Whip them until they double in volume and become creamy.

5. Combining Ingredients: Add the warm milk to the yolk mixture and mix well. In another small pot, melt the butter and add the oil, keeping the ingredients warm.

6. Kneading the Dough: In a large bowl, place the sifted flour, add the milk and yolk mixture, the prepared leaven, rum essence, and the zest of lemon or orange. Start kneading the dough, moving from the bottom up and from the outside in, until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. Gradually add the melted butter with oil, kneading well after each addition.

7. Letting it Rise: Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with plastic wrap and a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about an hour. A helpful tip: for faster rising, you can wrap the bowl with the dough.

Filling Preparation

1. Nut Mixture: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Mix the ground walnuts with the egg whites, 3-4 tablespoons of sugar, a tablespoon of cocoa, and optionally, a little rum essence. This combination will add a rich flavor to your nut roll.

Forming the Nut Roll

1. Preparing the Pans: Prepare the nut roll pans. You can use parchment paper or grease the pans with butter. Important: do not add flour to the pans to avoid sticking.

2. Shaping the Dough: After the dough has risen, grease the work surface and your hands with oil. Divide the dough into two and roll each piece into a rectangle. Spread the nut mixture and carefully roll it up, forming a log.

3. Placing in the Pan: Place the log with the filling side down in the pan. Be careful not to fill the pan more than halfway, so you have enough space for rising.

4. Second Rising: Let the nut rolls rise again until they reach the top of the pan. This may take about 30 minutes.

Baking

1. Preparing for the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the nut rolls with a mixture of egg yolk, a tablespoon of milk, and vanilla sugar for a golden and glossy crust.

2. Baking: Bake the nut rolls for 10 minutes at 180 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 160 degrees and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes. Check if they are done by piercing them with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the nut rolls are ready.

3. Cooling: Let the nut rolls cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them to a rack to cool completely.

Final Tip

For an extra flavor, you can sprinkle a mixture of ground walnuts and sugar on top of the nut roll before baking it. This will add a crunchy taste and a hint of sweetness!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise? – Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used warm milk, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.

2. Can I freeze the nut roll? – Yes, the nut roll can be frozen. After it has completely cooled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. How can I customize the filling? – You can add raisins, chocolate, or candied fruit to the filling to vary the taste.

Suggested Pairings

The nut roll pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea, flavored coffee, or a glass of fresh milk. You can also enjoy the nut roll with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.

Conclusion

The nut roll is a recipe worth trying, not only for its flavor but also for bringing people together during festive moments. With a little patience and attention, you will achieve a fluffy, aromatic, and delicious nut roll that will delight both family and guests. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1kg of high-quality flour, 5 eggs, 350g of sugar, 2 bottles of rum essence, grated lemon or orange peel, 500ml of milk, 2 cubes of fresh yeast, 300g of ground walnuts, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, a pinch of salt (the salt enhances the flavor of the cake), 100ml of oil, 100g of butter. - One egg, one tablespoon of milk, and 2 packets of vanilla sugar for brushing the cake.